EFFICIENT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ADVANCE MULTI-COPTER CONFIGURATIONS IN CRUISE FLIGHT
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Authors
Trauger, Cade C.
Subjects
Actuator Disk Theory
computational fluid dynamics
quad-copter
Aqua-Quad
CFD
ADT
computational fluid dynamics
quad-copter
Aqua-Quad
CFD
ADT
Advisors
Jones, Kevin D.
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Aqua-Quad is a Naval Postgraduate School-designed quad-copter intended for anti-submarine warfare use. It utilizes a tethered acoustic sensor and solar panels to charge the battery in order to track submarines and other underwater targets over significant periods of time. The concept utilizes a “flock” of Aqua-Quads that will be distributed in a grid over the ocean to detect and track underwater targets. Aqua-Quad floats on top of the water while it searches for targets, and then flight is used for rapid repositioning to actively track the underwater target while communicating with other Aqua-Quads. In this thesis a modified version of Actuator Disk Theory (ADT) is implemented in the form of velocity boundary conditions in lieu of rotating propellers, to model advance multi-copter configurations in cruise flight using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This will allow for a better understanding of the pressure field surrounding the body of the aircraft as well as the interaction of flows through the propellers. Furthermore, ADT will then be used to analyze a traditional quad-copter motor architecture with the addition of horizontal pusher motors. The goal would be to develop advanced configurations to extend the range and endurance of multi-copters, in this case, with direct application to Aqua-Quad.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.